View full sizeMolly Young/The OregonianSandy King, Wilsonville's election officer, reviews paperwork filed by Vince Alexander (center) April 19. Alexander and John Ludlow are spearheading an effort that would require a public vote on an $11 million incentive package for SoloPower.

Knapp hopes the initiative never reaches a ballot. In an email sent Saturday, he wrote that other towns are actively recruiting SoloPower from Wilsonville.

The California company plans to site a thin-film solar panel plant in the former Nike building on S.W. 95th Avenue. SoloPower CEO Tim Harris has said he hopes to begin construction later this spring.

Knapp cautioned Wilsonville residents about the tight timeline. "Solopower will be forced to look for a different town as they cannot afford to wait and see what the outcome of a September vote will be," he wrote. "WE NEED YOUR ACTIVE SUPPORT TO BE SURE THAT DOES NOT HAPPEN (emphasis his own)."

"The City will NOT borrow money to do this, NO debt is created, existing available money will be used temporarily until Solopower pays it back in annual taxes."

"A State of Oregon study forecasts that this manufacturing operation will indirectly create an additional 1500 jobs in Oregon. This is exactly the kind of activity that will greatly benefit Wilsonville, the Metro Region and the State."

"PLEASE FORWARD THIS TO ALL YOUR WILSONVILLE FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS. It is important that every voter understand what is at stake before signing a petition."

The political action committee's 30-day deadline to gather signature ends May 18.

Alexander sent an appeal to the City Council Friday, calling a ballot title drafted by the city attorney improper. The title would appear on a September ballot if volunteers collect at least 900 valid signatures, equal to 10 percent of Wilsonville voters.

Essentially, the city's version says a yes vote would repeal the City Council's decision and SoloPower assistance. But Alexander says the wording conflicts with the city's election code.

Voters should have the right to approve or reject the ordinance, Alexander wrote, not repeal the council's decision. "I filed this petition to give voters the opportunity to approve or reject it after a reasonable public debate," he wrote in his appeal.

Alexander advanced his own version to the council that would approve or deny the ordinance itself. A vote yes would back the plan.

The council may discuss Alexander's appeal during its work session Monday, said Sandy King, the city's election officer. The meeting begins at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 29799 S.W. Town Center Loop East.